Indian Women's Team Set to Kick Off AFC Women's Asian Cup Journey Against Vietnam
A New Chapter for the Blue Tigresses
Perth [Australia], March 3: The wait is finally over for the Indian senior women's national football team. After enduring four challenging years, they are set to embark on their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 campaign against Vietnam at the Perth Rectangular Stadium this Wednesday.
The match is scheduled to start at 16:30 IST, as confirmed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
The Blue Tigresses faced disappointment when they withdrew from the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022, which dashed their World Cup aspirations. However, their impressive performance in last year’s qualifiers has paved the way for a fresh opportunity, marking the first time India has qualified for the Asian Cup based on merit.
Amelia Valverde, who took over as head coach of the Indian women's team earlier this year, reflected on past setbacks. “That was four years ago. Life has its reasons, and we are back with a chance to showcase our abilities. This is a new opportunity for us to represent our team in the best light,” the Costa Rican coach stated.
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup is crucial for the 12 participating nations, as the four semi-finalists will secure direct spots in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027. Additionally, two of the four quarter-final losers will compete for the remaining Asian spots, while the other two will enter a Play-off Tournament for a chance at qualification.
Ranked 67th in the FIFA Rankings, the Blue Tigresses have undergone a rigorous 52-day training camp across three continents in preparation for the Asian Cup.
Valverde expressed confidence in her team's readiness, saying, “We have put in significant effort over the past weeks, and the team’s motivation is high to achieve the best possible outcome for India.”
Beginning their camp in Gurugram, the team later moved to Antalya, Turkiye, before arriving in Perth three weeks ahead of the tournament to acclimatize.
“Our preparations have been excellent. Being here for three weeks has greatly benefited the team,” Valverde noted. “We understand our responsibilities and aim to present our best selves on the field.”
During the pre-match press conference, Valverde acknowledged the quality of their opponents, Vietnam. “They are a strong team, having participated in the last World Cup, and they have a long-standing coach (Mai Duc Chung) who has led them through many matches,” she remarked.
“We are fully aware of the challenge ahead. Our focus is to display the best version of the Indian team and ensure we compete fiercely,” she added.
India's captain, Sweety Devi Ngangbam, who experienced the disappointment of 2022, shared her optimism about the Asian Cup. “We have trained thoroughly. The squad is prepared, and we are committed to delivering our best performance at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup,” she stated. “Arriving here three weeks early was a wise decision by the federation, allowing us to adapt to the climate, and we are ready for the challenges ahead.”
Vietnam's head coach, Mai Duc Chung, expressed cautious optimism regarding his team's prospects in Australia. “We have prepared well, but we will face formidable opponents,” he said. “We must strive to match their level. What we have trained for will be evident on the pitch tomorrow.”
“It’s hard to predict outcomes, but we are pleased with our squad’s readiness,” the Vietnamese coach concluded.